About Guus Kemp

Guus Kemp was born in Kerkrade, the Netherlands and at an early age, was exposed to works of numerous exceptional painters. Living in close proximity to cities like Cologne, Brussels, and Amsterdam afforded Guus the opportunity to see developing new artist streams popular in the 60s and 70s. In the early 70s, exhibitions of Mark Rothko and Jasper Johns generated everlasting impressions. In the 80s, while traveling throughout Mexico, he saw the work of the Mexican architect Louis Barragan, which he describes as “poetry to live in.” Guus spent most of his formative years in Amsterdam, where he earned a master’s degree in Organizational Psychology from the University of Amsterdam.

In 2000, Guus moved to the United States and landed in Houston, Texas. Although Guus has painted many years using various techniques and materials, it was only in 2008 that he began using oil paint—a breakthrough experience for him. He prefers to paint in the early morning light, when his senses are sharp and his thoughts uncluttered by the unfolding day of activity.

Guus’ attitude about his art can be summarized as follows: “I want to bring the energy I feel, and the dynamics and brightness of life and colors into my paintings. My paintings are a reflection of who I am . . . an extrovert who takes life by the horns! When I paint, I’m fully occupied and unconcerned with the events happening around me. I consider a painting great if it makes me smile, gives me energy, and appeals to the eye and soul”.